Sambucus Nigra - Elderberry

Sambucus nigra, commonly known as Elderberry or Elder, is a familiar and attractive British native shrub. Its flat creamy flowerheads dominate hedgerows in early summer, while drooping blue-black berries in huge clusters signal autumn. Elderberry is an essential understorey shrub in native woodlands, providing excellent wildlife value and habitat.

Thriving in most soils and situations, Elder prefers soils that do not dry out and grows best in full sun or partial shade. Historically, Elderflowers and berries have been used to make cordials, wines, jams, and medicinal preparations. Its wood has been used for small items such as flutes, combs, and toys.

This is the size and type we sell:

Sambucus nigra Elderberry 15–30cm Cell Grown

Sambucus nigra Elderberry 20–40cm 1+0

Sambucus nigra Elderberry 40–60cm 1+0

Professionally grown and suitable for hedges, woodland understorey, wildlife planting, and ornamental screens.

Features & Benefits

Native shrub with creamy summer flowers and drooping blue-black berries

Supports a wide range of wildlife: insects, birds, and small mammals

Can be used medicinally and for culinary purposes (cordial, wine, jams)

Thrives in most soils; prefers non-drying soils, full sun or part shade

Provides shelter and roosting for birds

Hardy and fast-growing, suitable for hedges and screens

Applications

Woodland understorey and margins

Wildlife-friendly hedges and screens

Conservation and biodiversity planting

Culinary and medicinal plantings

Ornamental shrub for gardens

Height & Spread (Approximate)

After 10 years: 6m height x 4m spread

After 20 years: 6m height x 4m spread

Growth assumes suitable site conditions.

Botanical Name | Sambucus nigra

Common Name | Elderberry / Elder

Plant Type | Deciduous shrub

Growth Rate | Fast

Mature Height | Up to 6m

Mature Spread | Up to 4m

Soil Type | Most soils; prefers non-drying soils

Aspect | Full sun to partial shade

Hardiness | Fully hardy in the UK

Plant Size & Type | 15–30cm Cell Grown; 20–40cm 1+0; 40–60cm 1+0

Maintenance | Prune in winter; hard-prune to ground level if necessary

Wildlife Value | Flowers attract insects, including hoverflies; berries eaten by birds and small mammals; provides shelter and roosting sites for birds